Another highlight of the evening was the presentation of the inaugural UMKC Foundation Award of Distinction. It was presented to entrepreneur, civic leader and longtime UMKC patron Henry W. Bloch.

“Henry and Marion Bloch wanted this to be a city where people, regardless of income or stature, have access to education, the visual and performing arts and health and social services. So about a year ago, Henry celebrated his birthday by giving gifts to the rest of us. He established the Marion and Henry Bloch Family Foundation to provide for the city he loves,” Morton said.

The event also featured a recap of the foundation’s progress over the past year – a year that included a new record for the number of total donors and an almost 10 percent increase in the university’s endowment, from $235 million to $256 million. The campaign has now raised $173 million, 79 percent of the $250 million goal.